Also, riders can take the recently created [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=150 Miami Beach Airport Flyer Bus on Rt#150] ($2.65 one way fare purchased at the bus station) if they are staying in Miami Beach. To get to Downtown Miami, riders can take the [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp Metrorail] directly to the Government Center station (the MetroRail also serves other parts of Miami, including Coconut Grove). From the Government Center stop passengers can transfer to other buses [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/] going to other destinations from Downtown Miami or the [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metromover.asp Metromover] to get around downtown. Many hotels are along the MetroMover route which is one level down from the MetroRail Government Center station. Consult a map for the closest MetroMover station or bus route to your hotel.

Also, riders can take the recently created [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=150 Miami Beach Airport Flyer Bus on Rt#150] ($2.65 one way fare purchased at the bus station) if they are staying in Miami Beach. To get to Downtown Miami, riders can take the [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp Metrorail] directly to the Government Center station (the MetroRail also serves other parts of Miami, including Coconut Grove). From the Government Center stop passengers can transfer to other buses [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/] going to other destinations from Downtown Miami or the [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metromover.asp Metromover] to get around downtown. Many hotels are along the MetroMover route which is one level down from the MetroRail Government Center station. Consult a map for the closest MetroMover station or bus route to your hotel.

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Also, riders can take the [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=110 J Line bus] to Biscayne Boulevard and transfer to a southbound bus to [[Downtown Miami|downtown]], although this would likely take you a long time and isn't a well-publicized option.

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Also, riders can take the [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=110 J Line bus] to Biscayne Boulevard and transfer to a southbound bus to [[Downtown Miami|downtown]], although this would likely take you a long time and isn't a well-publicized option. Likewise one can stay on the bus and continue to Miami Beach at 41st & Collins.

Currently at MIA, construction of the new Miami Intermodal Center is slated to become Miami's Grand Central station with hub connections of Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com], Metrorail, Tri-Rail, taxis, Metrobus, and all car-rental facilities [http://www.micdot.com/].

Currently at MIA, construction of the new Miami Intermodal Center is slated to become Miami's Grand Central station with hub connections of Amtrak [http://www.amtrak.com], Metrorail, Tri-Rail, taxis, Metrobus, and all car-rental facilities [http://www.micdot.com/].

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'''Fort Lauderdale International Airport''' ({{IATA|FLL}}) [http://www.fll.net] is 25-40 minutes north of Miami proper, depending on traffic, and does not have nearly as many international routes. It only offers a small variety. However, it is smaller and less trafficked than MIA, making customs, immigration and security a bit easier to go through. Southwest Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue, Allegiant, Spirit Airlines (predominate at this airport) and other low-cost carriers generally use Miami's other airport, FLL, instead of MIA, making FLL a cheaper alternative in many cases as well.

'''Fort Lauderdale International Airport''' ({{IATA|FLL}}) [http://www.fll.net] is 25-40 minutes north of Miami proper, depending on traffic, and does not have nearly as many international routes. It only offers a small variety. However, it is smaller and less trafficked than MIA, making customs, immigration and security a bit easier to go through. Southwest Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue, Allegiant, Spirit Airlines (predominate at this airport) and other low-cost carriers generally use Miami's other airport, FLL, instead of MIA, making FLL a cheaper alternative in many cases as well.

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Public transport is available to MIA and FLL. If you are arriving from FLL, there is a free shuttle to the Tri-Rail train station nearby [http://www.tri-rail.com]. Tri-Rail trains connect [[West Palm Beach]], [[Boca Raton]], [[Fort Lauderdale]] and Miami (note that this leaves you at the Miami Airport station, not downtown Miami). From the Miami Airport station transfer to the Metro train to get downtown or the airport shuttle train to the MIA terminals. The cheapest way to get to Miami is to take the #1 bus north to the Borward Bus Terminal, transfer to the #22 to the nearby 'Ft Lauderdale Tri-Rail Station' and take the [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=195 95x] or 595x down into downtown Miami [https://www.broward.org/BCT/MapsAndSchedules/Pages/MapsAndSchedules.aspx]. The schedule for the latter option is limited to weekday rush hours only.

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Public transport is available to MIA and FLL. If you are arriving from FLL, there is a free shuttle to the Tri-Rail train station nearby [http://www.tri-rail.com]. Tri-Rail trains connect [[West Palm Beach]], [[Boca Raton]], [[Fort Lauderdale]] and Miami (note that this leaves you at the Miami Airport station, not downtown Miami). From the Miami Airport station transfer to the Metro train to get downtown or the airport shuttle train to the MIA terminals. The cheapest way to get to Miami is to take the [https://www.broward.org/BCT/MapsAndSchedules/Routes/Pages/1.aspx #1 bus] south to Aventura Mall (via Federal Hwy on US-1); transfer to the [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=3 #3 (via Biscayne Blvd)], [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=9 #9] or [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=119 S Line (via Collins Ave in Miami Beach)] to downtown Miami. See [https://www.broward.org/BCT/MapsAndSchedules/Pages/MapsAndSchedules.aspx this link] for other bus lines in Broward County.

A map of Broward County Transit (which runs the #1 from Fort Lauterdale Airport) is available at https://www.broward.org/BCT/Documents/SystemMap.pdf .

A map of Broward County Transit (which runs the #1 from Fort Lauterdale Airport) is available at https://www.broward.org/BCT/Documents/SystemMap.pdf .

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===By bus===

===By bus===

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*'''ATC Buses''', [http://www.atcbuses.com]. Transfers in and out of the city of Miami for groups to the rest of the US. City tours and more.

*'''Greyhound''', [http://www.greyhound.com]. The station is at 4111 NW 27th Street, near Miami International Airport.

*'''Greyhound''', [http://www.greyhound.com]. The station is at 4111 NW 27th Street, near Miami International Airport.

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*'''MegaBus''', [http://us.megabus.com/] runs busses from Miami to both [[Orlando]] and [[Tampa]].

*'''RedCoach''', [http://www.redcoachusa.com]. Buses arrive and depart from the South Terminal at Miami International Airport. Service from various cities in Florida and Georgia.

*'''RedCoach''', [http://www.redcoachusa.com]. Buses arrive and depart from the South Terminal at Miami International Airport. Service from various cities in Florida and Georgia.

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*'''ATC Buses''', [http://www.atcbuses.com]. Transfers in and out of the city of Miami for groups to the rest of the US. City tours and more.

*'''Carnaval Miami''', Miami, FL,. [http://www.carnavalmiami.com/]. A festival that consists of ten events along the course of ten days during the weeks of late February and early March. The Kiwanis club of little Havana (little Cuba,) hosts this festival full of music, international foods, concerts, sports, culinary competitions, galas and upscale Latin jazz festival.

*'''Carnaval Miami''', Miami, FL,. [http://www.carnavalmiami.com/]. A festival that consists of ten events along the course of ten days during the weeks of late February and early March. The Kiwanis club of little Havana (little Cuba,) hosts this festival full of music, international foods, concerts, sports, culinary competitions, galas and upscale Latin jazz festival.

*'''FedEx Orange Bowl Football Game''', Sun Life Stadium, +1 305 341-4700 [http://www.orangebowl.org/]. Held in early Jan around New Year’s Day. A major Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game held ironically in Sun Life Stadium. Top teams from two conferences, one of the conferences being the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), battle for this prize.

*'''FedEx Orange Bowl Football Game''', Sun Life Stadium, +1 305 341-4700 [http://www.orangebowl.org/]. Held in early Jan around New Year’s Day. A major Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game held ironically in Sun Life Stadium. Top teams from two conferences, one of the conferences being the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), battle for this prize.

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===Groceries and other basics===

===Groceries and other basics===

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The major supermarket chains in Miami are Publix, Walmart, Winn Dixie, and Sedanos. In addition many specialty and organic supermarkets such as Whole Foods Market and Fresh Market can also be found in Miami.

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The major supermarket chains in Miami are Publix, Walmart, Winn Dixie, and Sedanos. In addition many specialty and organic supermarkets such as Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, and Fresh Market can also be found in Miami.

Districts

Downtown (Central Business District, Park West, Omni, Brickell)The cultural, financial, and commercial center of South Florida, Downtown is home to many major museums, parks, education centers, banks, company headquarters, courthouses, government offices, theaters, shops and many of the oldest buildings in the city.

North (Midtown, Overtown, Design District, Little Haiti, Upper Eastside)This vibrant section of the city includes the hip, artsy Design District, fast-growing Midtown, the immigrant community of Little Haiti, and the historic "MiMo" district of modern architecture in the Upper Eastside.

Although tourists generally consider Miami Beach to be part of Miami, it is in actuality its own municipality. Located on a barrier island east of Miami and Biscayne Bay, it is home to a large number of beach resorts and is one of the most popular spring break party destinations in the world.

Understand

Miami from above

Although Miami is the second most populous city in Florida, the Miami metropolitan area is the largest in the state with an estimated population of over 5.4 million (2007), which makes it the 7th most populous metro area in the United States. Due to being sandwiched in by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades wetland area to the west, the Miami metropolitan area is a lengthy 110 mi(180 km) north to south, but never more than 20 mi (32 km) east to west.

History

Flagler’s railroad sparked a wave of expansion in areas such as Miami Beach, Homestead and Cutler. Soon after the railroad was built, the Overseas Highway was created. This highway connected the Florida Keys to the mainland. Growth and progress in Miami continued through World War I as well as into the mid-1920s.

A devastating hurricane in 1926 halted Miami’s growth and temporarily put the city, as well as Miami Beach, in a recession. It was the city’s support of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal that helped the city rebuild. Roosevelt almost lost his life, however, when Giuseppe Zangara attempted to assassinate Roosevelt when he came to Miami to thank the city for its support of the New Deal.

When a German U-boat sank a US tanker off Florida’s coast, the majority of South Florida was converted into military headquarters for the remainder of World War II. The Army’s WWII legacy in Miami is a school designed for Anti U-boat warfare.

Because of its low latitude Miami has a subtropical savanna climate. There are two seasons in Miami, a warm and dry season from November through mid April....and a hot and wet season from May through October. The wet or summer months of June-September will see most daytime highs in the upper 80's F with lows in the low to mid 70's with high humidity. The coldest winter months from December through March have highs in the upper 70's and lows near 60 F, with sunny and dry weather with often very low humidity. At times winter can be quite dry with water restrictions and cold snaps. Miami has the warmest ocean surf after Honolulu in the United States annually - reaching 85 F in summer and 75 F in winter.

Talk

Little Havana

Miami has the largest Latin American population outside of Latin America. English however remains the predominant language.

Spanish is a language often used for day-to-day discourse in many places, although English is the language of preference, especially when dealing with business and government. Some locals do not speak English, but this is usually centered among shops and restaurants in residential communities and rarely the case in large tourist areas or the downtown district. Even when encountering a local who does not speak English, you can easily find another local to help with translation if needed, since most of the population is fluently bilingual. In certain neighborhoods, such as Little Havana and Hialeah, most locals will address a person first in Spanish and then in English. "Spanglish", a mixture of English and Spanish, is a somewhat common occurrence (but less so than in the American Southwest), with bilingual locals switching between English and Spanish mid-sentence and occasionally replacing a common English word for its Spanish equivalent.

Haitian Creole is another language heard primarily in northern Miami. It is common for a person to hear a conversation in Creole when riding public transportation or sitting at a restaurant. Many signs and public announcements are in English, Spanish and Creole because of Miami's diverse immigrant population. Unlike Spanish, Haitian Creole is generally centered among the Haitian neighborhoods in northern Miami. Most Haitians are more adapted to English than their Hispanic neighbors. Portuguese and French are other languages that may be encountered in Miami. These languages tend to be spoken mainly around tourist areas. Most speakers of these languages speak English as well.

The simplest way to get a response in English is to use the "approach rule," where most locals will respond only in the language spoken to unless they are not able to speak it. This rule can be used on anyone whether or not their first language is Spanish, English or any other language.

Get in

By plane

Miami International Airport (ICAO: KMIA, IATA: MIA) [20] is located just west of the city in an unincorporated suburban area. It is an important hub for traffic between Europe, North America and Latin America. The international traffic makes MIA a large and congested place. Be sure to allow extra time when departing MIA, particularly if flying internationally, as you may face an hour-long line just to check your bags. Curbside check-in is an excellent idea.

If you are approaching or leaving MIA via the Airport Expressway (Florida State Road 112), beware of the at-grade railroad crossing on the ramps connecting the Expressway to the airport terminals. Normally such crossings are grade-separated, but this one sits directly east of one of the runways. Thus, be prepared for the possibility of a 10-15 minute delay if a train happens to be there at the same time as you.

Opa-Locka Executive(ICAO: KOPF) is popular for general aviation and business jet travelers out of the Miami area. Air taxi and air charter companies such as Jetset Charter[21] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstreams down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals.

The predominant carrier at MIA is American Airlines, which has direct flights to most major cities in the Americas, and several European cities as well. European, Latin-American and Caribbean carriers are well-represented at MIA. The airport has no non-stop service to Asia, Africa or Oceania. The recent construction of two new terminals at MIA has helped with the airport's passenger capacities as well as the efficiency in going through customs and baggage claim.

MIA also has several restaurants ranging from local chains such as La Carreta to national chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King and Starbucks. Be aware that some restaurants serve beer, wine and/or cocktails. If you drink too much the airlines can refuse your boarding on a plane. MIA also has several retail stores, including several magazine stands and bookstores (including a Borders). Other retail stores include, but are not limited to, Brookstone, K-B Toys and Ron Jon Surf Shop. There is also a hotel connected to the airport.

Money can be exchanged for US dollars at the airport. Wireless internet is also available at MIA for a fee.

At MIA, public transportation [22] includes a free shuttle to the nearby Tri-Rail station, as well as to Metrorail [23]. Your best option is to take a taxi from the airport or rent a car, depending on where you're staying at (if you need to get around parts of Miami with no nearby Metrorail stations). MIA's car rental facilities have now all been centralized into a very large garage known as the Rental Car Center which can be accessed directly from the terminal via a free automated tram. FLL's facilities are located in the parking garage adjacent to the terminals.

Also, riders can take the recently created Miami Beach Airport Flyer Bus on Rt#150 ($2.65 one way fare purchased at the bus station) if they are staying in Miami Beach. To get to Downtown Miami, riders can take the Metrorail directly to the Government Center station (the MetroRail also serves other parts of Miami, including Coconut Grove). From the Government Center stop passengers can transfer to other buses [24] going to other destinations from Downtown Miami or the Metromover to get around downtown. Many hotels are along the MetroMover route which is one level down from the MetroRail Government Center station. Consult a map for the closest MetroMover station or bus route to your hotel.

Also, riders can take the J Line bus to Biscayne Boulevard and transfer to a southbound bus to downtown, although this would likely take you a long time and isn't a well-publicized option. Likewise one can stay on the bus and continue to Miami Beach at 41st & Collins.

Currently at MIA, construction of the new Miami Intermodal Center is slated to become Miami's Grand Central station with hub connections of Amtrak [25], Metrorail, Tri-Rail, taxis, Metrobus, and all car-rental facilities [26].

Miami offers different fare types for different amounts of rides. Beware that unless you purchase an EASY Card or EASY Ticket, you will have to pay twice in order to transfer between buses and between the bus and MetroRail. The full list of available fares can be found at [27]

Fort Lauderdale International Airport (IATA: FLL) [29] is 25-40 minutes north of Miami proper, depending on traffic, and does not have nearly as many international routes. It only offers a small variety. However, it is smaller and less trafficked than MIA, making customs, immigration and security a bit easier to go through. Southwest Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue, Allegiant, Spirit Airlines (predominate at this airport) and other low-cost carriers generally use Miami's other airport, FLL, instead of MIA, making FLL a cheaper alternative in many cases as well.

Public transport is available to MIA and FLL. If you are arriving from FLL, there is a free shuttle to the Tri-Rail train station nearby [30]. Tri-Rail trains connect West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami (note that this leaves you at the Miami Airport station, not downtown Miami). From the Miami Airport station transfer to the Metro train to get downtown or the airport shuttle train to the MIA terminals. The cheapest way to get to Miami is to take the #1 bus south to Aventura Mall (via Federal Hwy on US-1); transfer to the #3 (via Biscayne Blvd), #9 or S Line (via Collins Ave in Miami Beach) to downtown Miami. See this link for other bus lines in Broward County.

By train

Amtrak's Silver Service operates two trains daily to Miami from New York City, Washington, D.C. and other cities along the Eastern Seaboard. The ride from New York is about 24 hours but is often subject to delays, as Amtrak uses poorer-quality freight lines south of Washington and must cope with slow freight trains along the way.

There are frequent (at least 1 per hour) Tri-Rail trains every day to Miami from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale on weekdays. However, on the weekends, the trains come every 2 hours. The weekday fare varies by distance but the weekend fare is $5 between any two stations on the line. [31]

By car

There are three main highways coming into Miami. I-95 runs along the Atlantic coast of the United States and terminates in Miami. I-75 comes in from the midwestern United States and runs through Atlanta and Tampa before terminating in Miami. Florida's Turnpike is a toll road mainly useful for those driving in from Orlando. The only southbound route from Miami is U.S. Highway 1, which runs through the Florida Keys all the way to Key West.

By bus

Greyhound, [32]. The station is at 4111 NW 27th Street, near Miami International Airport.

Get around

By public transit

Miami's public transit system is the most diverse and extensive of any locality in Florida. In short, if travel time is not a priority, it is possible to travel to all commercial areas and major attractions within Miami without a car.

Miami's bus system covers the entire county and connects to bus lines serving Broward County and the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. Recent developments have made the bus system more reliable than in the past. Even with the changes, and because of high local traffic, buses tend to have a hard time remaining on schedule. However, buses run often enough through each route so as not to be a nuisance. Many of the major bus routes operate 24 hours a day, seven days week, including the Route S bus, which connects downtown Miami to all of Miami Beach, terminating at Avenutra Mall in north Miami-Dade.

The Metrorail is a dual line, Green and Orange Line, elevated rail system serving Miami and surrounding cities, running 24.9 mi with 23 stations. It connects many areas of tourist interest, including downtown Miami, Miami International Airport (Orange Line - Only) Dadeland Mall, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Lowe Art Museum, Miami Museum of Science, Village at Merrick Park and many other nearby shopping areas. Coconut Grove and downtown Coral Gables can be reached via short shuttle bus from various stations. Metrorail operates between roughly 5AM and midnight, with a bus serving all Metrorail stations operating in the overnight hours, effectively providing 24-hour service.

Recently, state and federal funding has allowed for planned expansions to the Metrorail to take better shape. A connection to Miami International Airport started construction in late 2009, opened July 2012.

Metrorail Green Line runs from Palmetto Station to Dadeland South with Orange Line trains traveling from Miami International Airport to Dadeland South. Both lines service the main trunk line from Earlington Heights Station to Dadeland South. Main line trunk service operates from 5AM to Midnight, seven days a week. Trains run as frequently as every 5 minutes to as infrequently as every 15 minutes along the main trunk. Mid-Day Weekday service along the main trunk averages seven minute service.

Fare for a single trip on both Metrorail and Metrobus is $2.25 per ride ($1.10 for persons with disabilities or on Medicare). Daily, weekly, and monthly pass are available. In early 2010, Miami-Dade Transit implemented a fare card system known as EASY Card. Though exact change/cash is still accepted on all Metrobus routes, an EASY Card is required for riding the Metrorail, and for utilizing the free transfers offered between an unlimited number of bus routes, and a single Metrorail ride. Currently, the fare card software does not allow passbacks. Any remaining transit tokens you may have can no longer be exchanged for EASY Card credit, and are not accepted as fare. Additional information on fares, routes and schedules can be found at [37], or by calling +1 305 770-3131.

Downtown Miami is served by a free elevated people mover system known as Metromover, which connects to Metrorail at two stations at Government Center in the central business district and at Brickell Station in Brickell. Metromover is free of charge and is the most efficient way to move around Downtown Miami. It is a great way to take a rest when walking around downtown, and a great time to take pictures of the skyscrapers and growing Miami skyline from above.

South Florida’s Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) can be reached at [38], or by calling +1 800 tri-rail. During the week, there are frequent trains (at least one per an hour) to one of the four major destinations, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County and South Florida Education Center (SFEC)/ Davie Campus Transit Routes. (However, on the weekend, trains run every 2 hours) Each of these four destinations have many different stops. Be sure to check the website for each stop and a schedule. There are employer discount programs on the website as well as fares.

By taxi

Taxis are generally expensive with a surcharge of $2.50 for the pick-up and an additional $0.40 for each sixth of a mile traveled. Almost all cab companies in the area have pre-determined rates for travel into the barrier islands of Miami Beach and other beach and nightclub communities popular with tourists which can range from $30-$60 depending on arrival location. For example, South Beach may be the most expensive while a residential neighborhood in Miami Beach may be the cheapest. The charge is the same regardless of pick-up location on the mainland. All taxis are fitted with maps of the barrier islands which state the cost per location. The same applies for passengers leaving the islands onto the mainland, though normal rates apply for person traveling by taxi within the islands or within the mainland.

Service is available throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties regardless of pick-up location. The normal service charges apply for these four counties, but it is wise to ask for a pre-determined price beforehand if leaving the county as this will in most cases turn out to be cheaper and most drivers are willing to negotiate when leaving the county. If you wish to be taxied to a location outside of those four counties, you must negotiate a price and advise the cab company first. Drivers may refuse to drive outside of the metropolitan area if they are not advised to do so beforehand.

Usually you will have to call a cab company and request a pick-up. Taxis operated by the major companies are not normally allowed to pick up passengers at random locations for safety and legal reasons except at MIA, the Port of Miami and train stations. Some individual taxi drivers will not follow this rule, however. You can try hailing a taxi in the street. A significant and notable exception to this rule is the South Beach section of Miami Beach. For all intents and purposes, taxis can be flagged from the street on the island in a very similar way to what one might expect in New York City. This trend has begun spreading into the downtown area of Miami, but is primarily due to the increased redevelopment and foot traffic downtown, and should not be relied upon if you have a schedule to keep.

All taxi drivers must have a valid license to operate. It is uncommon to hear of crimes involving unlicensed taxis anywhere in the metropolitan area since Dade County keeps track of all taxi activity in and around Miami and cooperates with other counties in getting this information. If you enter a cab and do not see a valid license placed in front of the passenger's seat, you should not enter the taxi and instead call another cab company regardless of what the driver says. If you willingly enter a taxi without a license or with an expired license and there is an incident or accident, it is possible that you may not be able to hold the driver accountable by law. When entering a cab you should make note of the driver's name, license number and cab number if any problems arise during the trip. This information should be easily found inside the taxi.It may be able to help you identify the cab driver to the police or the cab company.

By car

Unless you plan to stay downtown, Miami Beach/South Beach, or in a single location elsewhere, you will find that a car is very convenient in Miami, and car rentals are cheap in comparison to other major US cities.

You can find cheap car rentals off terminal from the Miami Airport from such companies as E-Z Rent-A-Car [39] and Ace Rent A Car. The major car rental companies can be found in terminal be can be often more expensive for the same service and vehicles.

Surface roads in Miami are usually easy to navigate. The area's roads are designed around a grid system, where most roads are numbered based on their distance from the city center. The two main axis roads are Miami Avenue (running north to south) and Flagler Street (running east to west). These two roads intersect in downtown Miami, the county's symbolic center. All avenues run north to south, while all streets run east to west. For example, the address, "9500 NW 30th Street" would be at the intersection of NW 30th Street (to the west of Miami Avenue, and 30 blocks north of Flagler Street) and NW 95th Avenue (north of Flagler Street, and 95 blocks west of Miami Avenue). Most roads in Miami conform to this nomenclature, but due to the more than 30 municipalities within Miami-Dade County, there are a few exceptions to be aware of. Examples include Coral Gables, the Coconut Grove section of Miami (city proper), Miami Lakes, and Hialeah. Hialeah is particularly notorious since it uses its own grid system, in addition to the overall county system. For example, NW 103rd Street is also marked as E 49th Street, or W 49th Street in Hialeah.

Note that if you cross into Broward County, the roads will be numbered based on their distance from the Fort Lauderdale city center, which is generally the same going east-west but will be very different going north-south. Most of the municipalities in Broward County use their own limited grid systems as well. Some street names also change at the county line. The coastline highway, A1A, is known as "Collins Avenue" in Miami Beach, but becomes "Ocean Drive" in Broward County. Likewise, "Red Road" in Miami becomes "Flamingo Road" in Broward.

Miami has four primary expressways. In addition to I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike, there is state highway 836 (also known as the Dolphin Expressway) and state highway 826 (also known as the Palmetto Expressway). The Dolphin Expressway runs west from downtown Miami along the edge of Miami International Airport. The Palmetto Expressway and Florida's Turnpike form "F"-shaped loops around the city. The Turnpike continues north, roughly parallel to I-95, and will take you to Orlando if you keep driving. I-95, the Palmetto and the Turnpike intersect at a junction in North Miami called the Golden Glades. You may find driving in the Glades challenging, especially if you have little experience driving in it.

New visitors to Miami should be aware that the area's drivers are particularly aggressive. AutoVantage.com's Road Rage Survey has rated Miami drivers the rudest in the country for a third year in a row [40]. This shouldn't discourage anyone from using the roadways, but a passive approach to Miami driving can save you from an unwanted exchange with another driver, or even worse an accident. Posted speed limits are ignored by most drivers, especially on larger roads with lower speed limits. Two examples are I-95 and state road 826 (The Palmetto Expressway). The eastern portion of state road 836 (The Dolphin Expressway) between Miami International Airport and downtown Miami handles traffic that exceeds its capacity, and contains several left-hand exits, including the eastbound off-ramp to Lejuene Road (NW 42nd Avenue), which is the posted route, and the quickest route to Miami International Airport.

By Shuttle

Super Shuttle[41]. +1 305 871-8210 or email [email protected] There is a shuttle that will take you where ever you need to go from MIA airport and is called Super Shuttle Miami. Approach any of the blue vans located on the outer island. They also have guest services representatives in the airport wearing a blue Super Shuttle shirt.

See

Miami is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city.

The Original Miami City & Boat Tour - Sightseeing Tour The best way to really discover Miami is with it`s world famous Miami City & Boat Tour. This tour covers world famous South Beach, The Art Deco, Little Havana, Downtown Miami, Brickell Ave, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, The Venetian Pool... The Miami Boat Tour is a 90-minute narrated sightseeing boat cruise across the waters of Biscayne Bay and its private islands like Star Island, Fisher Island, Palm Island and Celebrity Homes. Tour is approximately 5 1/2 Hours long and offers several stops for you to enjoy Miami. Tickets are available at Miami Info Tours * (Miami Beach Tourist Information Center) and online. Ticket Link > [42] Reservations are required.

Miami Millionaire's Row Boat Tour - Boat Tour The Miami sightseeing boat tour is considered by far one of Miami's most popular tourist Attraction, it consists of a 90-minute narrated sightseeing boat cruise around world famous Biscayne Bay, Star Island, Fisher Island, The Miami Beach Marina and the Venetian Islands, all while you experiencing Miami's spectacular waterways and the million dollar mansions of the rich and famous. Some of the sights you will see during the tour since they have been feature on many of Hollywood's blockbuster movies like Scarface, Bad Boys I & II... Tickets are available at Miami Info Tours * (Miami Beach Tourist Information Center) and online. Ticket Link > [43] Reservations are required.

Everglades Air-boat Tour & Wild life Show This tour is great for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to get a bit more out of their vacation in Miami. The tour includes a 30-40 Minute air-boat tour across the everglades narrated by professional park guides. The tour also includes a wild life show where you will get to see many of Florida`s exotic animals. The tour is offered 7 days a week and is available at 9:30AM & 1:30PM. Complimentary Hotel pick-up is available from select hotels on Miami Beach & Downtown Miami. Tickets are available at Miami Info Tours * (Miami Beach Tourist Information Center) and online. Ticket Link > [44] Reservations are required.

Miami to Key West Day Tour Traveling from Miami to Key West is now possible every day. Tours depart from Miami Beach every day at 6:30AM. Travel in comfort across the Overseas Highway and 7-Mile Bridge. On this tour, you'll get to do some sightseeing in Key West and spend approximately 6 hours in Key West. You will be able to explore the island on your own pace. Complimentary Hotel pick-up is available from select hotels on Miami Beach & Downtown Miami. Tickets are available at Miami Info Tours * (Miami Beach Tourist Information Center) and online. Ticket Link > [45] Reservations are required.

Miami by Land and Sea - sightseeing tour This Miami tour is the number one most popular Miami tour for the first time visitor.Join us on a tour through the Miami's most interesting landmarks for 90 minutes by land. There are plenty of scheduled Miami tour stops along the way.One of these stops is in Little Havanna where you will get to see first hand how cigars are made in Little Havana. Additionally, you will get a complimentary coffee while stopping in Little Havana. Learn about the city's history, rich culture, see the homes of the stars and the rich and famous. The Miami boat tour,consists of a 90-minute narrated sightseeing boat cruise around Biscayne Bay, Star Island, and the Venetian Islands, all while experiencing Miami'sspectacular waterways, the Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, and much more. Along the way you will stop at the Biltmore hotel, see the Venetian Pool and Freedom Tower,make at stop in Little Havana where you will witness the art of cigar rolling, and get a complimentary coffee. Note: Beverages and light snacks are available for purchase onboard the tour boat. [46]

Everglades Airboat Tour & Wild life Show Nicknamed Ten Thousand Islands for a reason, the tropical wetlands of the Everglades offers a glance into an unimaginable world. Home to a rich history,these grounds are a portal into an alternate world that are nothing short than mesmerizing. With an engaging presentation of the Spanish lore and knowledgeable accounts of the different animal and plant species around, our Everglades tour is crafted to keep you entertained and in awe. You will have the opportunity to witness species that National Geographic has only been able to show you before. With an introduction to the American alligator, turtles, snakes, American crocodiles, fish, and exotic birds such as the national Bald Eagle and the Red Shouldered Hawk, we are excited to get the opportunity to explore the park with you. A Glance into the Experience that Awaits You We will provide complimentary pick-up from your hotel, taking you right into the heart of the park. Upon arrival, we will let you familiarize yourself with the area before we begin with the tour.[47]

Star Island, Biscayne Bay, Miami. Star Island is an artificial island within Miami Beach. The houses are colossal and the architecture is worth taking a look at. Most of the houses are gated. The island looks exclusive because there is a guard house, however, it is a public neighborhood and you are able to go on the island and check out the houses. The houses on Star Island are homes to and have been homes to celebrities such as Will Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, Lenny Kravitz, Gloria Estefan, Rosie O’Donnell, Madonna, P. Diddy and many more. If you are planning a trip to Miami this is a good bit of free sightseeing for you.

Frost Art Museum, 10975 SW 17th Street (FIU-Maidique Campus), (305) 348-2890[48]. Open Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 12PM-5PM. Located at Florida International University, the Frost Art Museum has a large variety of 1960's and 1970's American photography, pre-Columbian artifacts dating back from 200 to 500 AD, ancient African and Asian bronzes, and a growing number of Caribbean and Latin American paintings and artwork.

Venetian Pool, 2701 DeSoto Blvd (in Coral Gables), +1 305 460-5306, (email: [email protected], additional phone number +1 305 460-5357) [49]. Open 11AM-5PM every day, but call to verify hours. In the 1920s Denman Dink transformed this limestone quarry into a pool with a waterfall, an area for kids and an area for adults. The water in this pool comes from a spring and is drained daily. In addition to the swimming facilities there is a snack bar (you cannot bring outside food into the Venetian Pool) and lockers. Swimming lessons are also offered here. The Venetian Pool is best known for having Esther Williams and Johnny Weissmuller (the silver screen’s first Tarzan) swim here. $6 people 13 years and older, $3 children under 13 $ (between November and March); $9 people 13 years and older, $5 under 13 (between April and October).

Villa Vizcaya

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 South Miami Ave, +1 305 250-9133, (fax: + 1 305 285-2004) [50]. European-inspired estate. Includes a main house filled with art and furnishings and ten acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay. $12 adults, $9 Miami-Dade residents with ID, patrons using wheelchairs, seniors 62 years of age or older with ID and students with ID, $5 children 6-12. Admission is free for children 5 years of age or younger.

Oleta River State Recreation Park, 3400 N.E. 163rd St, +1 305 919-1846[51]. Daily 8AM-sunset. The largest urban park in Florida has trails for biking, a beach for swimming, picnic areas and a playground for kids. Get a canoe or kayak to row to a mangrove island within the park. Several animals such as eagles and fiddler crabs also make their home here. Fourteen cabins with air conditioning are also on the premises, but bathrooms, showers and grills are located outside the cabins and guests should bring their own linens. $5 for a vehicle carrying up to eight passengers, $1 bicyclists, pedestrians and extra passengers ($50.85 a night in a cabin).

Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St Miami, tel (305) 251-0400. Open daily 9:30AM-5:30PM. Largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida. It houses over 1,200 wild animals and is a free range zoo. Its climate allows it to keep a wide variety of animals from Asia, Australia and Africa like no other zoo in the country.

Jungle Island, 1111 Jungle Island Trail, Miami, tel 305) 258-6453. Lush tropical garden that features animal shows and exhibits. Great outing for the family to enjoy.

Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, +1 305 361 5705 [52]. This 38 acre tropical island paradise features marine shows and marine life exhibits. Expect to stay around two to three hours touring the large aquarium. Just ten minutes from downtown Miami.

Matheson Hammock Marina[53]. Grassy park with a man-made atoll pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of nearby Biscayne Bay. The park has a full-service marina, snack bar and restaurant built into an historic coral rock building, picnic pavilions and nature trails.

Ancient Spanish Monastery 16711 West Dixie Highway (near Sunny Isles), +1 305 945-1461 [54]. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM (unless there is a wedding scheduled; call ahead or check the website for wedding dates). Originally built in Segovia, Spain in 1141, this monastery was originally to be a part of William Randolph Hearst’s property in California. Partly because he ran out of money and partly because the United States would not allow the monastery to be built in California, the monastery remained in New York Harbor until 1954, when a couple of businessmen bought the property and assembled it in Miami. Parts of the monastery have not been assembled because the government removed the pieces from numbered boxes and then placed the wrong pieces in the wrong boxes. Today the monastery is a church as well as a popular marriage location. As seen on the History Channel show Weird U.S. Adult admission $5, senior and student admission (with valid ID) $2.50, child admission $2.

Do

Beaches

Of course, if you're in Miami, you'll want to spend some time on the beach. Miami Beach is on a barrier reef across Biscayne Bay, and its sandy, sunny beaches from party-hearty South Beach continues all the way north along the coast of Florida. As Miami has pretty temperate weather, the beaches will be active all year round. Topless sunbathing is tolerated, if not strictly legal, in Miami Beach and South Beach. If you want to take it all off, go to Haulover Beach Park in North Beach.

Miami is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city.

Miami City and Boat Tour (Sightseeing Tour)[55] Discover what Miami has to offer with it`s world famous Miami City & Boat Tour combination. Tour includes several stops and complimentary hotel pick-up from select Miami & Miami Beach Hotels.

Lapis Spa[59] +1 305 674-4772 - This Miami spa is located in the Fontainebleau and has six different packages to choose from including individual and two person packages. Specials are run often during certain months so make sure to take a look at their different specials located on their website. The spa also has a salon and gym. Gift cards are available. The spa treatments range from $300-$580 depending on whether it will be an individual spa treatment or couple. Make sure to check out this spa if you are interested in a relaxing vacation. From downtown Miami you have to cross one of the two Miami bridges that are located near Miami’s port. Once you cross the bridge you will now be on South Beach. Find Collins Ave. which will be near Ocean Ave. (South Beach's most famous street,) and look for 4441. The Fontainebleau will be on your right.

Space Miami[60] For Info +1 305 375-0001 For VIP +1 786 357-6456 - 34 NE 11th St. Miami FL, 33132 - Space Miami was voted best U.S. club at the IDMA 2011 Awards. Located in downtown Miami, Space Miami is known for their Saturday nights. There are multiple rooms with different genres of music in each room so you can choose from a wide variety. They hold events almost every weekend with themed parties and well known/famous DJs.

Bongos Cuban Cafe[61] For reservations and info: +1 786 777-2100 - Bongos Cuban Café has locations in Miami, South Beach, Hollywood, FL and Orlando, FL. The café is owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan and shines with Latin flavor. The music is Latin as well as the food and majority of the crowd and employees. It is a restaurant by day and club at night.

Port of Miami/Dodge Island[62] - Take a relaxing cruise to a variety of locations.

South Beach Food Tour[63] - Explore the cultural diversity of the neighborhood, learn about the Art Deco architecture while you stop at restaurants and eateries to savor the local flavor.

Sun Life Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Boulevard (Northwest 199th St) (in Miami Gardens), +1 305 623-6100 (fax: +1 305 625-6403, e-mail: [email protected], TTY +1 305 623-6266 ) [64]. This football stadium has been renamed several times in its history. Some of its previous names include Dolphin Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Pro Player Stadium, and Land Shark Stadium. It is primarily known as the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Ironically, FedEx Orange Bowl games are held here instead of the Orange Bowl on 11th Street, which has been torn down to make way for Marlins Park (see below). The Miami Hurricanes (college) moved from the Orange Bowl in 2008 to make way for its demolition and redevelopment. MLB's Florida Marlins (now Miami Marlins) played baseball here through the 2011 season, but moved to Marlins Park in 2012. For tours of Sun Life Stadium, contact [email protected] or call +1 305 623-6286. Tour prices are $3 for children under 14, $5 for those 14 and older and $4 for senior citizens. Check website for individual phone numbers for tickets to Miami Dolphins games and the Orange Bowl.

American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd (near Bicentennial Park), + 1 786 777-1000 (box office: +1 786 777-1250) [65]. In addition to Miami Heat (an NBA team) games being played here, this arena has hosted several awards shows in its past such as the MTV Video Music Awards (twice). Several concerts are also held here. Call box office for ticket information.

Miami Balloon Rides, + 1 305 860-5830 [67]. Year round sunrise flights with views of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, the Everglades and Redlands of Miami, including a post-flight toast and picnic. Reservations are required.

Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way (Little Havana), +1 877-MARLINS (627-5467), e-mail: [email protected] ) [68]. The newest stadium in Major League Baseball, Marlins Park opened in April 2012 at the former site of the Orange Bowl as the new home of the renamed Miami Marlins. The futuristic, retractable-roof park broke new ground in ballpark architecture; at the insistence of team owner Jeffrey Loria, it is designed to reflect the culture of 21st-century Miami. Check website or call the toll-free number for tickets to Marlins games.

Events

There are very few city-wide events planned during Jul and Aug because of the high temperatures during the summer in Miami.

Ultra Music Festival, Streets of downtown Miami, [69], . People from around the world flock to Miami every March for its notorious Ultra Music Festival. It’s a three day and night festival that includes the most famous DJs in the music industry. Tickets usually range from $300-$600 from the three day festival and increase in price as it gets closer to the show in March. The show sells out almost every single year so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible if you plan on attending.

Calle Ocho, Southwest 8th St. between 11th and 27th ave,. Calle Ocho is the largest Hispanic street festival in Miami. It’s a one day festival that consists of contests, concerts, food and much more. There is also a carnival that is located in a lot to the left of Florida International University’s main entrance. The carnival is on the same day as Calle Ocho. The festival is usually held in March and is located on. Calle Ocho is free except for parking if you bring your car.

Carnaval Miami, Miami, FL,. [70]. A festival that consists of ten events along the course of ten days during the weeks of late February and early March. The Kiwanis club of little Havana (little Cuba,) hosts this festival full of music, international foods, concerts, sports, culinary competitions, galas and upscale Latin jazz festival.

FedEx Orange Bowl Football Game, Sun Life Stadium, +1 305 341-4700 [71]. Held in early Jan around New Year’s Day. A major Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game held ironically in Sun Life Stadium. Top teams from two conferences, one of the conferences being the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), battle for this prize.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival, various locations throughout South Beach, (e-mail: [email protected]) [72]. Held in late February, this festival is sponsored by Food & Wine magazine and the Food Network. The event raises money for Florida International University’s hospitality program by having celebrity cooks and chefs (many of them who work for or have appeared on Food Network at one time) descend upon South Beach to do cooking demonstrations and throw parties. Florida International University’s hospitality program students volunteer at some of the festival’s events. Wine and food tastings featuring local chefs and cuisine are also held during the annual event. Tickets range from $15-$300 depending on the event.

Winter Party, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 305 571-1924 (ask for Michael Bath) [73]. Held between mid-February and mid-March, this circuit party benefits several gay organizations throughout Dade County as well as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Beach parties, pool parties, parties held at local clubs and a dinner are the main features of the Winter Party.

Winter Music Conference, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 954 563-4444 (fax +1 954 563-1599) [74]. Held in mid-March, the Winter Music Conference attracts electronic musicians (and the labels they belong to) and DJs as well as fans of various electronic music genres for the love of music. In addition to several parties held in clubs, parks and on Lummus Beach (and occasionally in retail stores and hotels), there are seminars for people to learn more about the music business and DJ showcases. Don’t confuse the Winter Music Conference with the Winter Party!

Independence Day, city-wide. Held on July 4th. The Miami skyline is illuminated by fireworks on the “birth date” of the United States. While Key Biscayne has great views of the fireworks show, Bayfront Park has live music as well as a laser show.

White Party, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 305 667-9296 [75] and [76]. The White Party held in mid-November. Miami’s oldest gay circuit party raises money for Care Resource, the largest and oldest HIV/AIDS association in South Florida. The party spans over 10 days. It’s not nearly as popular as the Winter Party held earlier in the year, but the White Party still manages to sell out its tickets nearly a year in advance.

King Mango Strut, Main Avenue and Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, +1 305 401-1171 [77]. Held after Christmas, this parade began as a parody of current events as well as the Orange Bowl Parade. The Orange Bowl Parade, unlike its famous Rose Bowl counterpart, is no longer held anymore, but the King Mango Strut is still having a good time making fun of the previous year’s follies.

Learn

Miami is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city.

Barry University, 11300 North East Second Ave. (in Miami Shores), +1 305 899-3100 (e-mail [email protected], fax +1 305 899-2971) [78] – This Catholic university, located 20 miles outside of Miami, has majors such as biomedical and forensic photography as well as the very popular nursing, education and liberal arts majors. The university is co-ed with close to 10,000 students enrolled.

Florida International University, University Park, +1 305 348-2863 (e-mail [email protected], fax +1 305 348-3648) [79]. With over 40,000 students enrolled in this public co-ed university spread out over two campuses, Florida International University is one of the largest universities in Florida and the 11th-largest university in the U.S. With over 280 majors in 26 schools in colleges including its top-ranked College of Business, School of Architecture, College of Engineering, College of Law, and College of Medicine, it is one of Florida's top universities.

Florida Memorial University, 15800 Northwest 42nd Ave., +1 800 822-1362 (fax +1 305 625-4141) [80] – A largely African-American student body can be found on this private Baptist co-ed college campus (formerly known as Florida Memorial College). The university has over 1,950 students and majors such as business administration, commerce management, elementary education and criminal justice studies.

Island Dreamer Sailing School, 555 NE 15th St, +1 561281-2689 [81] Live aboard sailing and cruising classes specializing in multi-day trips to the Florida Keys for couples and families that want to gain the skills to charter or live on a sailboat. Certified by the American Sailing Association.

Johnson & Wales University—North Miami Campus, 1701 Northeast 127th St. (in North Miami), +1 305 892-7600 (e-mail [email protected], fax +1 305 892-7020) [82] – One of Johnson & Wales’ many campuses across the country, this co-ed, private university offers majors in the culinary and baking and pastry arts, business and hospitality. This campus is also one of Johnson & Wales’ largest after the original school in Providence, Rhode Island, with 2,500 students enrolled.

New World School of the Arts, 300 Northeast 2nd Second Ave. (in Downtown Miami), +1 305 237-3135 [83]. This institution offers conservatory education to talented high school and college students. It's highly selective in its admissions, and highly intensive in its education. Alumni of New World have gone on to successful careers in Hollywood, on Broadway, and in other prestigious arts venues around the world. In addition, many of today's top talents in commercial arts, advertising, public relations and architecture got their creative foundations at this highly-ranked school. Offers programs in theater, visual arts, dance and music for high school students and college, with joint degrees offered between Miami-Dade Public Schools, Miami-Dade Community College and the University of Florida.

St. Thomas University,16400 32nd Ave., +1 305 628-6546 (e-mail [email protected], fax +1 305 628-6591) [84] – This private university, affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, has an enrollment of over 2,600 men and women. Business/management, education and communication majors are popular here.

University of Miami, Coral Gables, +1 305 284-4323 (e-mail [email protected], fax +1 305 284-2507) [85] – The top ranked university in Florida, over 16,000 men and women are enrolled in this elite private research focused university. Business, communication, medicine and biology majors are popular here.

Miami-Dade College, [86] – With more than 165,000 students, it is the U.S.' largest institution of higher learning, and one of the country's best community college systems. This community college conveniently has locations in Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Downtown Miami, and North Miami and also has locations all around Miami proper.

Work

If you are not from the U.S., you will need a work visa. If you try to work while holding a tourist visa, you are still considered an illegal immigrant in the U.S. Immigration and Nationalization Services conduct frequent illegal immigrant checks in Miami businesses since Miami has several refugees from Cuba, Haiti and other nearby countries. If you don’t have the right visa, you may not get a job in Miami.

There is an exception to getting work without a visa in Miami, however. Since yachts and cruise ships sail on international waters, these companies can freely hire any person they like. Non-US citizens will still require a valid seaman's visa, however, to land in US ports.

Buy

Miami is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city.

Remember that sales tax is 7% in Miami.

Shopping Districts

Collins Avenue between 15th and 3rd Streets, Miami's Collins Avenue has stores to satisfy all shopping tastes and budgets.

Lincoln Road also on South Beach, Lincoln Road offers a large range of stores and restaurants running the gauntlet from cozy cafe to high class dining. There is a farmers market held here all day on Sundays, as well as an antiques market (days vary).

Clothing stores

Most clothing shops located away from major Miami area shopping centers are located in South Beach.

M*A*C, 650 Collins Ave., +1 305 604-9040 – Small outpost of the worldwide cosmetic line. There is also a branch of M*A*C in Aventura Mall.

Groceries and other basics

The major supermarket chains in Miami are Publix, Walmart, Winn Dixie, and Sedanos. In addition many specialty and organic supermarkets such as Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, and Fresh Market can also be found in Miami.

Record stores

Uncle Sam’s Music, 1141 Washington Ave [88]. Since 1984 this independent record store has electronic music as well as items like stickers and incense.

Shopping centers

Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd. (near the Dade/Broward County line), +1 305 935-1110 [89] – Mon-Sat 10AM-9:30PM, Sun 12PM-8PM. This mall, spanning 2.3 million feet, not only has nation-wide chains such as JCPenney and Macy’s but also has chains such as Abercrombie and Fitch as well as Rainbow Valley Playground, a play spot for children. The other notable landmark of this mall is its 24-screen movie theater.

Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave (on 97th Street in Bal Harbour), +1 305 866-0311 [90] – Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12PM-6PM (Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue are open from 12PM-7PM). Several designer labels fill up the spaces of Bal Harbour Shops, including Chanel, Cartier, Fendi and Gucci among others. For those not wealthy enough to buy these designer labels, Bal Harbour Shops also has Banana Republic and the Gap in the mall as well. $1 (parking fee).

Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd (near Bayfront Park), +1 305 577-3344 [91] – Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM, Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-9PM. Despite having several chain stores such as the Hard Rock Café, the Gap, Sketchers and Victoria’s Secret attached to it, this mall is noted for its gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay. The only downside is that traffic is bad at Bayside when Bayfront Park is having a concert nearby. Connected to public transit via Metrorail and Metromover.

Dadeland Mall, 7535 North Kendall Dr (in Kendall), +1 305 665-6226 [93]. Mon-Sat 10AM-9:30PM, Sun 12PM-7PM. Dadeland is one of the United States’ first malls. Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue are some of the stores now represented at Dadeland.

Lincoln Road Mall, Lincoln Rd between Alton Rd and Washington Ave [96] – This open-air pedestrian mall was designed in 1957 by legendary Miami architect Morris Lapidus. It includes restaurants and cafes that run the gamut from Starbucks to Miami originals like Pizza Rustica and David’s Café. There is outside seating. It includes nationally known shops such as French Connection, Ann Taylor and Anthropologie, as well as international shops such as Italy’s Miss Sixty. There’s also a multiplex theater located on the corner of Lincoln Road and Alton Drive. Lincoln Road Mall also hosts a farmers market on Sun from 9AM to 6PM and an antiques market on the second and fourth Sundays from 9AM to 5PM. Call +1 305 673-4991 for information about the antiques market.

Shops at Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Dr, +1 305 663-0482 [97] – Open Mon-Thu 11AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-9PM – In addition to nationwide chains such as the Gap, Urban Outfitters and Victoria’s Secret, this mall has a Niketown store, as well as a large movie theater.

Village of Merrick Park, 4425 Ponce de Leon Blvd (in Coral Gables), +1 305 529-0200 [98] – Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12PM-6PM. The Village is Bal Harbour Shops’ major competition. It is very much like Bal Harbour. This mall features mostly designer stores such as Jimmy Choo, Neiman Marcus and is the home of Miami’s first Nordstrom.

Eat

Foodies and chefs alike herald Miami for its unique New World cuisine. Created in the 1990's, the cuisine alternatively known as New World, Nuevo Latino or Florribean cuisine blends local produce, Latin American and Caribbean culinary tradition and the technical skills required in European cooking. Nuevo Latino is said to be the brainchild of four chefs: Allen Susser, Norman Van Aken, Mark Militello and Douglas Rodriguez. All of them still work in Miami and most of them work at the restaurants they created in the 1990's. New World is not restricted to these chefs’ menus. This cuisine influences several restaurants around the city to this day.

Miami may be known for its Latin cuisine, especially its Cuban cuisine but also cuisines from South American countries such as Colombia, but there are other different kinds of restaurants to be found around the city. In addition to stand-alone restaurants offering up various cuisines from Chinese and Japanese and Middle Eastern and Italian (among other cuisines), there are cafés, steakhouses and restaurants operating from boutique hotels as well as chain restaurants such as TGI Fridays and Ben & Jerry’s.

Miami is known for having nightclubs double as restaurants throughout the city. Most of these restaurants, such as Tantra (which had one of their chefs recently appear on Top Chef: Miami), BED and the Pearl Restaurant and Champagne Lounge (attached to Nikki Beach), are located throughout South Beach. However, some of these restaurants/nightclubs like Grass Lounge can be found in the Design District (north of downtown but south of North Miami).

If many of Miami’s premiere restaurants don’t fit into your daily budget, consider eating during Miami Restaurant Month (better known as Miami Spice [100]) in August and September. This year at 80 select restaurants, lunch costs $22 and dinner is $35.

Don't be fooled by the plethora of super lean model types you're likely to see posing throughout Miami. Contrary to popular belief, dining in this city is as much a sport as the in-line skating on Ocean Drive. With over 6,000 restaurants to choose from, dining out in Miami has become a passionate pastime for locals and visitors alike. Its star chefs have fused Californian-Asian with Caribbean and Latin elements to create a world-class flavor all its own: Floribbean. Think mango chutney splashed over fresh swordfish or a spicy sushi sauce served alongside Peruvian ceviche.

Whatever you're craving, Miami's got it -- with the exception of decent Chinese food and a New York-style slice of pizza. If you're craving a scene with your steak, then South Beach is the place to be. Like many cities in Europe and Latin America, it is fashionable to dine late in South Beach, preferably after 9PM, sometimes as late as midnight. Service on South Beach is notoriously slow and arrogant, but it comes with the turf (of course, it is possible to find restaurants that defy the notoriety and actually pride themselves on friendly service). On the mainland -- especially in Coral Gables, and, more recently, downtown and on Brickell Avenue -- you can also experience fine, creative dining without the pretense.

There are several Peruvian restaurants at SW 88th Street and SW 137th Avenue in Kendale Lakes. Take the 88 or 288 buses from Dadeland North train station. This is kind of out of the way, but it is worth it.

Miami is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city.

La Carreta, SW 8th St, +1 305 444-7501 [101] – Open 24hrs a day. Cuban. The flagship restaurant of a small chain of Cuban restaurants (including one location at Miami International Airport). It should be noted that the majority of staff only speak limited English but menus are available in both English and Spanish. $5-$22 per person, per meal.

Chef Allen’s, 19088 NE 29th Ave, +1 305 935-2900 [103]. Sun-Thu 6PM-10PM, Fri-Sat 6PM-11PM. Allen Susser was named the best chef in the South in 1994 by the James Beard Foundation. A perfect place to try New World cuisine. Dinner jackets suggested. $9-$46 (the tasting menu is $75 per person).

Casa Tua, 1700 James Ave, +1 305 673-1010 [104] – Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30AM-3PM, dinner Mon-Sat 7PM-12AM. Italian. Casa Tua is proud of the fact that there is no outside signage outside its restaurant. If the restaurant decides to advertise out front, it’s not going to be soon. Reservations are required to get inside, but make sure you can find the restaurant first or you might get a headache attempting to get to dinner. $12-$100 per person, per meal.

Ortanique on the Mile , 278 Miracle Mile (near Actor’s Playhouse),, +1 305 446-7710 – Mon-Tue 6PM-10PM, Wed-Sat 6PM-11PM, Sun 5:30PM-9:30PM. New World. One of three Ortanique restaurants (the other two are located in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas. The food has a mixture of Caribbean and French influences. Reservations are requested. $19-$36 per person, per meal.

Drink

Nightlife in Miami consists of upscale hotel clubs, independent bars frequented by locals (including sports bars) and nightclubs. Most hotel bars and independent bars turn the other cheek at your physical appearance, but you have to dress to impress (which does not mean dress like a stripper) to get into a nightclub. Also remember to never, under any circumstances, insult the doormen and/or nightclub employees that will grant you entry or touch the velvet ropes or you may as well be sitting on the opposite side of the clamoring masses trying to get in. Attempting to tip the doormen and claiming that you know employees that work in the nightclubs (unless you actually called and reserved a table or a spot on the VIP list) is also considered an affront. Getting to the club unfashionably early and pushing through the crowd (and not the doormen) also can help make you stand out in the crowd. Finally, most nightclubs won’t admit groups of men unless those men are waiting in front of a gay bar. Bring some women or leave the pack if you’re desperate to get in. And once you get in, remember that the charge to get in these clubs can cost up to $20—cash only (some clubs, however, mercifully have ATMs—that can charge up to $7 for a withdrawal). Popular drinks in Miami include the Cuba Libre and the mojito.

Sleep

Miami is known for its boutique hotels (especially those in South Beach). Designers such as Ian Schrager (the Delano, Shore Club), André Balazs (Raleigh, Standard on Belle Isle) and Todd Oldham (the Hotel) helped put South Beach on the map with their creative hotel designs. The downside of many of the boutique hotels is that rooms can be small, particularly if the building was built during the height of the Art Deco period in Miami. If you value space, a boutique hotel may not be the type of hotel for you. If you don't need to stay in a boutique hotel (and value space), Miami has several upscale high-rise hotels north and south of South Beach, as well as near the downtown area. Miami does have its share of less costly chain hotels for those who value space and/or money.

The high season for hotels is around Nov to Apr because of the lower temperatures. However, Miami's lower temperatures, in comparison to the majority of the United States around this time, are still warm. High season is also marked by the advent of many Miami events, such as the Winter Music Conference and Spring Break. If you wish to reserve a room during Miami’s high season, especially at a boutique hotel and/or a hotel on South Beach, you should book months in advance.

Be aware that hotels have a 12.5% room tax and some hotels may add a 15% service charge which may or may not be added if you reserve a room through the hotel, through a travel agent/agency (either in person or using an online site such as or similar to Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity) or through an opaque (prices are given, but the name and location of the hotel is unknown) travel site such as Priceline or Hotwire.

Some hotels offer garage and/or valet parking; check with your hotel about parking before booking a room if you wish to drive around Miami.

Contact

The major area codes for Miami-Dade County are 305 and 786. The 305 area code also applies to the Florida Keys (Monroe County).

Internet

In addition to some of the places listed in Eat and Miami International Airport, several hotels have internet access—both LAN connections and wireless—but it is not free in all hotels. Check with your hotel to see if internet access is free or for a fee.

Several cafes have wireless internet connections, but depending on the café internet access may incur a fee. Unless it’s a nation-wide chain offering free internet access like Starbucks, check with your café to inquire about whether your internet access is charged separately from your meal.

Free wireless is now offered all around Miami Beach and few neighborhoods around the Miami area. Although you might have some trouble connecting, it will still be a good way to connect with others.

Stay safe

Miami, frequently heralded in the news as a center of crime and drug smuggling, is only relatively dangerous for the passing tourist in certain areas. Overtown (next to Liberty City) has the highest violent crime rate in the city and is best if avoided all together. If you are in this neighborhood, or any other high crime neighborhood, take the same precautions as you would in other high crime neighborhoods around the country. Such as minding one's business, getting to your destination quickly, and avoid wearing flashy jewelry and electronics. Remember that most common sense rules such as being aware of your surroundings at night and traveling in high-traffic areas at night apply in Miami as it does in all other urban areas around the United States.

Emergency numbers

The emergency telephone number for fire, police and rescue emergencies is 911. If you require non-emergency assistance, do not call 911. To contact police in a non-emergency situation, call +1 305 4POLICE.

Cope

Consulates

There are a lot of consulates in the Miami area. This is only a small listing of them. Check the United States Department of State's Foreign Consular Offices website [110] for more consulates.

Miami New Times, 2800 Biscayne Boulevard, +1 305 576-8000 (fax +1 305 571-7677), [114]. An alternative, free weekly newspaper which focuses on lesser-known news as well as movies and local events ranging from current theatrical productions to the Winter Music Conference.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!